Instant-Approval Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Credit Card | Best For | Credit Score | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus |
---|---|---|---|---|
No Annual Fee | 300 – 669 | N/A | N/A | |
No Credit Check | 300 – 669 | N/A | N/A | |
Unsecured | 300 – 669 | N/A | N/A | |
Low APR | 300 – 669 | N/A | N/A | |
Last Resort | 300 – 669 | N/A | N/A |
Table of Contents
When you have bad credit, getting a credit card is stressful. When you’re more likely to have your credit card application rejected, waiting hours, days, or even weeks for your approval can feel daunting.
Fortunately, there are credit cards aimed at bad-credit borrowers that let you skip the nail-biting and get approved right away.
Are there credit cards for bad credit with instant approval?
Yes, there are credit cards for bad credit that offer instant approval. There are tons of credit cards for bad credit on the market, and some are easier to get than others. In fact, many of the easiest credit cards to get offer on-the-spot approval and high approval odds.
However, instant approval is never guaranteed, even if a credit card issuer advertises it as a perk. For example, if an issuer is having trouble verifying any of your information, your application may take longer to process.
How do I get an instant-approval credit card when I have bad credit?
There are two ways to get an instant-approval credit card for bad credit:
- Apply for a secured credit card: Credit cards that require security deposits are considered “secured.” Secured credit cards are easier to get when you have bad credit, as the money you put down acts as collateral in case you don’t pay your bills. Because they’re easier to get approved for, many secured credit cards offer on-the-spot approval.
- Apply for an unsecured credit card: Your other option is to apply for an unsecured card (one that doesn’t require a security deposit) and try to get approved. Look for cards that advertise instant approval, high approval odds, or no credit check. These are the easiest unsecured cards to get—particularly no-credit-check cards, which will likely give instant approval if none of your personal information requires verification. Be aware that many unsecured credit cards for bad credit charge annual fees.
5 best credit cards for bad credit with instant approval
Here are the best instant-approval credit cards for borrowers with bad credit.
Instant-approval credit card with no annual fee
Credit card for bad credit with instant approval & no credit check
OpenSky® Secured Visa®
Annual Fee $35
Credit Score 300 – 669
Deposit $200 – $3,000
Purchase APR 21.14% (variable)
Why It's Great
The OpenSky® Secured Visa® is a rare gem in the world of instant-approval credit cards for bad credit. Not only will your approval come in quickly, but your approval odds are incredibly high. That’s because the OpenSky® Secured Visa®:
- Is secured: Secured credit cards are easier to get, since the deposit you put down acts as collateral.
- Doesn’t do a credit check: The issuer won’t even check your credit when you apply, meaning your negative borrowing history won’t matter. Better yet, you won’t get a hard inquiry on your credit report, which normally would take a few points off your credit score.
- Doesn’t require a checking account: One of the most unique features of the OpenSky® Secured Visa® is that it doesn’t require borrowers to have a checking account, meaning those just getting financially started can still get a credit card.
Getting an OpenSky® Secured Visa® is as easy as submitting your application and putting down your deposit.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No credit check
- No checking account required
- Reports to three credit bureaus
- High approval odds
Cons
- Requires a security deposit
- $35 annual fee
- Can’t upgrade to an unsecured card
- No rewards
Unsecured credit card for bad credit with instant approval
Avant Credit Card
Annual Fee $0–$59
Credit Score 300 – 669
Purchase APR 27.24% – 29.99% (variable)
Credit Limit $300 – $2,000
Why It's Great
Most credit cards with instant approval are secured credit cards, meaning they require a security deposit as collateral in case the borrower doesn't pay their bill. The Avant Credit Card offers a rare opportunity to get an unsecured credit card for bad credit with instant approval and high approval odds.
The card has a generous range of credit limits between $300–$3,000. While it may come with an annual fee, the cost can only go as high as $59 per year, which is on the low end of annual fees for bad-credit credit cards. Some card offers may not even have an annual fee.
One of the best perks of the Avant Credit Card is its lack of foreign transaction fees, making it a great card for people who frequently travel abroad or buy from non-US vendors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No security deposit required
- No foreign transaction fees
- Potentially high credit limit of up to $3,000
- Credit reporting to all three bureaus
- Fast application response
Cons
- High APR
- Annual fee usually required
- No rewards
- No balance transfers available
Instant-approval credit card with potentially low APR
Mission Lane Visa®
Annual Fee $0–$75
Credit Score 300 – 669
Purchase APR 19.99% – 29.99% (variable)
Credit Limit $300
Why It's Great
The Mission Lane Visa® is another unique option in that it's an unsecured credit card for bad credit that offers instant approval and high application acceptance rates. It may or may not have an annual fee up to $59, depending on the card offer you get.
The APR you're given will also depend on your credit card offer. Interest rates on the card range from 19.99%–29.99%, meaning some lucky applicants will get APRs much lower than they would on similar credit cards. However, a low APR isn't guaranteed, as the range also runs quite high. Which end of the spectrum your rate lands on will depend on factors like your borrowing history and current financial situation.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No security deposit required
- Credit limit increases available within 12 months
- Reporting to all three credit bureaus
- Quick application
Cons
- Up to $59 annual fee may apply
- No option to add authorized users
- No rewards
Last-resort credit card for bad credit with instant approval
Surge Mastercard®
on Continental Finance's secure website
Rates & FeesAnnual Fee $75–$99 the first year, then $99 annually
Credit Score 300 – 669
Purchase APR 24.99% – 29.99% (variable)
Credit Limit $300 – $1,000
Why It's Great
The Surge Mastercard® is an unsecured credit card that offers instant approval for applicants with bad credit. Unsecured cards with instant approval are rare, making this one worth consideration if you’re not willing to pay a deposit and have already explored your other options.
The Surge Mastercard® offers credit limits as high as $1,000, with the potential to double that limit in 6 months. Most unsecured credit cards for bad credit offer limits closer to $200–$300, so the Surge Mastercard® is ahead of the competition in this respect.
However, the fees are something to be wary of, as they can add up fast in the second year when the card’s monthly fees kick in. But if you’re short on options for an instant-approval credit card with no deposit required, this one is worth considering.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No security deposit required
- Pre-qualification
- Free monthly credit scores
- Reports to the major credit bureaus
- Credit limit increase after 6 months
Cons
- High APR
- Monthly maintenance fee
- Expensive annual fee
- No rewards
- No upgrade option
How We Rate Our Cards
Every card we review is rated on a 5-star rubric that's unique to the card's intended audience. A card's final rating will be based on factors like its:
- Fees
- Interest Rates
- Rewards
- Credit Limit
- Accessibility
- Benefits
Our rubrics are completely transparent and open to alterations as advised by you, our readers. Join us on Discord if you have thoughts to share about how we rate and review credit cards.